The Tao of Free World Travel

by Free Traveler on August 24, 2012

Traveling around the world with money, let alone for free, is not easy. It is a test of mind body and spirit. Although reading and preparation will help, in order to truly survive, it takes much more than knowledge. It takes a certain frame of mind. One must let down their ego, accept the bad times, and emanate positivity as much as possible. While it will not be easy at first, only through adopting this kind of Taoist posture will you be able to not only survive but thrive, and ultimately enjoy yourself.

Traveling the world for free will result in countless hardships. You may end up sleeping outdoors in freezing rain. It is possible you won’t eat anything for days. Everyday working people may look at you’re tattered disposition in disgust. When this happens, it is easy to become resentful, tired, and sad. However, if you let your mind succumb to the negative, it will spiral downward into an ever increasing abyss of unhappiness. Therefore it is vital to keep your chin up no matter what happens.

The first step in becoming a positive free world traveler is by breaking down and then recreating your ego. No longer are you the person from home. It is a fact that you must accept once you hit the road. You can’t put up the same defenses because they will only limit positive interaction. You must learn to love everyone and have this become your mantra. It won’t be easy and it will take time, but it is essential to your spiritual and mental well being on the road.

The second step is to accept the relativity inherent to the universe and life. At times you will suffer, and feel sad. It is easy for these feelings to wear at you enough that you become bitter and depressed. In order to combat this, you must have faith that things will get better. You must trust that for all the sadness you encounter, you will experience just as much happiness at another time. The universe seeks balance and so do the chemicals in your brain. It is not just some hippie idea, all scientific equations support this fact.

The third step is to accept the reality of Karma. This step draws upon the first two. If you put love into the universe, you will receive that love back. Love those who scorn you and they will begin to look at you in a different light. This notion is evident in every major religion and it is also evident in any scientific inquiry into the universe. Although we can’t see it or identify what this energy is, it can not be denied. Karma is real and you can harness it to help you or hurt you.

The fourth and final step is the primary theme of the Toa Te Ching, the bible of Taoism. That being, action through non action. In other words, those who are wise do not flaunt their wisdom for they know it to be true. This is applicable to the predicament of the free world traveler in many ways. For example, acting strong in order to compensate for a feeling of weakness will not emanate true strength. People will be able to see through the act. In turn, this may lead to altercations with others. It is therefore best to appear weak and trust in your true hidden strengths. It is easier said than done and is something to strive towards in order to feel at ease no matter where you go.

The by adopting the former methods, you will find that life will become easier. Food and shelter will find it’s way to you without you even trying. It will truly allow you to enjoy yourself, absorb more of the world around you, and become a happier and more enlightened person. Not only are these ideas ones to implement while on the road but they should also be strived towards while at home. They are concepts we all too often overlook, but know in our hearts to be true.

Bio: When Leif was 16 he ran away from home and explored much of Europe and the Middle East without a dime. He is currently working on a book about this journey as he continues to travel around the world. Through his experiences, advice and adventures, he hopes to prepare, empower, and inspire others to travel.